Vegetarian Charcuterie Board with Hummus Flight

Entertaining is made simple with this Vegetarian Charcuterie Board highlighted with three delicious hummus variations: Lemon Dill, Kalamata Olive Tapenade, and Roasted Poblano Pepper. Pair with The Dreaming Tree wine for light fare that you can feel so good about sharing.This post was sponsored and is intended for readers 21 or older. #ShareWineandBites #CollectiveBias

So hey everyone. The timing of this post could not be more strangely appropriate because I am working with The Dreaming Tree wine, a brand focused on environmental causes and sustainability, and I am literally writing this as Hurricane Irma is approaching. As I type, the winds are picking up. Squalls of rain are going by. My house is boarded up. We spent I don’t know how much energy and money this week preparing our home, procuring everything we could think we would need, and packing in case we had to leave. Florida is about to get walloped, and it is going to be heartbreaking. And the ferocity of these storms will only continue to increase if we don’t address climate change. Warmer surface water in the ocean and warmer air doesn’t cause these storms, but it makes them stronger. How many of these disasters will it take for people to listen?

I have shared about my passion for environmental causes. At times, this may have been in the form of a rant … or two. 😁 (For my biggest rant ever, but also for 25 ways we can all make a difference, check my post out here.) But that’s my passion …and frustration. I volunteer on a sea turtle rescue team, so I see what happens to these animals. I live 10 minutes from the ocean and see the waste and trash that washes up with every tide. I live near the Indian River Lagoon, the most diverse ecosystem in the country, and it is suffocating under the muck. And it is our fault and we need to make the changes necessary to remedy the damage.

So, yeah, I am sitting here waiting for a hurricane. Praying for the best, preparing for the worst, and recognizing our hand in what all is going on. Clearly, this calls for a glass of wine and some munchies because there is not much else I can do at the moment.

For this post, I am really excited my recipe here is paired up with The Dreaming Tree wine. Recognize “The Dreaming Tree”? Yeahhh that’s Dave Matthews alright. I have been a fan foreverrrr. When I was in graduate school like 100 years ago, working many late nights, it was always Dave Matthews’ music that kept me company. Today still, his music is in my run jams as I train for triathlons. I always knew he supported environmental causes, and so I think it is beyond cool of him to support a eco-conscious wine. ..Props my dear Dave. Many props. …and I’ve had a crush on you for 20 years just saying.

So, The Dreaming Tree wine. I picked up several bottles at the grocery store for our pre-Irma preparation: The Dreaming Tree Crush, the Chardonnay, and the Pino Noir. Wine with a conscience, I love it. See, what we need to get people to realize is that we need to make the big changes, but we also need to make the little changes that add up to BIG change. The Dreaming Tree is all about the wine first and foremost – and it is delicious wine buhh-leave me. A high quality California red wine, The Dreaming Tree Crush especially gets my vote. But then The Dreaming Tree is about food and fun with friends, being accessible and affordable, down-to-Earth, AND they are about sustainability. In fact, they are celebrating donating over $1 Million to environmental programs that protect tree and forestry programs across the country. Boom. Especially with all the wildfires going on right now out west, what a great cause.

One thing that was way cool this week was the coming together of people in our neighborhood. There’s a tradition here in Florida that when a hurricane comes you do 3 things: prep your home, prep your hurricane snacks, and throw a hurricane party. Now the last one, I’m kinda kidding but not really. In our neighborhood, everyone is checking on each other and to be honest we need to just pass the dang time waiting and then being cooped up in boarded up houses. So, it’s a Florida thing.

So I wanted to put out some yum-yums. I wanted to do something easy and “charcuterie board-ish” but without the meat. I wanted a colorful little spread but to keep it vegetarian. And I wanted it light. So I made a little platter and created a trio of hummus to make a “hummus flight”. First, I made hummus (a really good hummus by itself if I do say so myself). Then I split it into 3 bowls and made each a fantastic new hummus variation. For the Roasted Poblano Hummus, I quick-roasted a couple poblano peppers, then blended them into the hummus with onion and cilantro. For the Lemon Dill Hummus, I just mixed in lemon juice and zest and dill. And for the last one, the Kalamata Olive Tapenade Hummus, I topped the hummus with a DELICIOUS tapanade. This last one may be my favorite of the three. I added crunchy banana pepper and soulful sun-dried tomato and it just became this ridiculously good bite with the hummus, on the cracker. YUM.

In addition to the trios of hummus-es, I put out colorful veggies, little mini crackers, and some goat cheese. This was just the right amount for a small gathering, say 4-6 people. Light, fresh fare – this would be PERFECT for a ladies night or bunco night too. Or a little pre-party before a ladies night out. And if worried about it not being enough, or if you have big eaters like myself, just add another variety of cheese, maybe some dates and such. Keep it light and easy, and vegetarian. Not every gathering calls for chips and queso and cake. Some do, just not all.

So that’s it kids. Make the little choices that add to big change. We need to. Eat more vegetarian, even when entertaining like with this charcuterie board and hummus flight recipe. And buy products from companies that not only get it but are actually trying to help. Like The Dreaming Tree.

Vegetarian Charcuterie Board with Hummus Flight

Entertaining is made simple with this Vegetarian Charcuterie Board highlighted with three delicious hummus variations: Lemon Dill, Kalamata Olive Tapenade, and Roasted Poblano Pepper. Pair with The Dreaming Tree wine for light fare that you can feel so good about sharing.

Other Vegetarian Charcuterie Board suggestions

Instructions

To roast the poblano peppers, put the peppers under the broiler for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until skin is well charred. Transfer to a ziploc bag to steam. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skins and seeds. Rough chop.

To make the tapanade, combine all ingredients except hummus in a bowl. This can be done a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Put all the ingredients for the basic hummus in a food processor and process until smooth. Divide the hummus to three bowls.

For the Lemon Dill Hummus, combine the 1/3 recipe hummus with remaining ingredients.

For the Kalamata Olive Tapenade Hummus, simply top 1/3 recipe hummus with the tapanade.

To assemble the Vegetarian Charcuterie Board, transfer each hummus to its serving bowl or ramekin. Arrange crudites, crackers, and goat cheese. Drizzle honey over the goat cheese. Serves 4-6.

~✿♥✿~

To learn more about The Dreaming Tree wines, visit here, and for a store locator check here. Definitely get The Dreaming Tree Crush and the Chardonnay -they are my favorites. I found them at my grocery store, but they’re available also at drug and supercenter stores. And leave me a comment! Are you committed to environmental causes and sustainability?

UPDATE: We fared well in the storm thank God, which was hurricane Category 2. No damage to our home (thank you new roof!), but there are trees down and damage throughout our area. Our power has been restored, but many here still are without. We have water back as well, but are under a boil water warning. Given the earlier forecasts for Hurricane Irma, we are so grateful this wasn’t worse. Our hearts are with those on the west side of Florida and in the Keys – OMG the Keys, it breaks my heart. We are working with our church to join volunteer efforts to help. And can I just say my state is rocking with emergency management, getting the notifications out, and state and local governments doing awesome? And we have like a zillion utility workers right here working to get everyone’s power back. Proud Floridian here. 👊

I hope you had minimal damage in your area, it must have been terrifying. Your post was really fun to read and so informative. I am always angered so deeply when I see waste and rubbish on our beaches, being in your posistion with the turtle rescue it must bring it even more to light, I am glad there are kind hearted people like yourself who are raising awareness of such important things. Also, your hurricane snacks look amazing, I may have to try some of these hummus recipies!

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1 year ago

Kimberly@kimmiloveauthor

I loved the photos you have. The zombie sign is hilarious and that little grab. You’re photos are definitely eye-catching. Thank you for sharing your story.

This is one of the best things I’ve seen all week! Give me ALL the hummus things. Addicted!

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1 year ago

Christine Bailey Hadden

I’m so glad to hear you stayed safe and your home wasn’t damaged. We have a friend who wasn’t so lucky and her home is completely ruined. On a positive note, those hummus recipes are delish and I’d totally be all over the poblano one.

Lemon Dill, Kalamata Olive Tapenade, and Roasted Poblano Pepper hummus all sound so tasty! The snacks sound great paired with the wine.

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1 year ago

KokosSecrets

Pepper hummus?? how does that taste? I love they these snacks are paired with wine!

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1 year ago

PamIW

I love hummus. My go to healthy snack. I think I would love all three of these flavors and I am going to give them a try one of these next weekends when we have company over. The wine sounds wonderful too.

I love hummus, so delicious and healthy. I 100& agree with you about humans and their environmental impact. I live in Dubai and here people have to learn a lot about saving the planet. So many plastic bags, people litter and no proper recycling plan in place. I hope something changes very quickly.

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1 year ago

Alicia Vanatta

I don’t think I have ever had hummus before. This looks really good. I will have to give it a try!

I’ve actually never tried hummus but this looks like it would be really good. Perhaps I need to give it a try? 😉

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1 year ago

pnkgirl25

These recipes look really nice. I need to try hummus in my meals. Thanks for sharing.

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1 year ago

Cia Black

I am heartbroken by what has happened to Florida and sending well wishes their way. I’m glad the bad weather didn’t impact your humor. Everyone needs a little laugh even at the most troubling times. Now as for the hummus. I love hummus, my family would rather have ranch dressing bt Me I’m a hummus girl. So for that I am eternally grateful that you shared these recipes and I can not wait to give them a try.

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1 year ago

Hanna J Smith

I feel like I have not lived because I’ve never had a hummus flight!!! Hummus flight + wine is perfect!

Also I was born and raised in FL and the devastation to Florida is just heartbreaking, so many folks I grew up with have either lost their homes or had so much damage to them. Thankfully my parents home (and childhood home) was spared!

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1 year ago

Bea | A Cheery Mind

I looooove Hummus! And especially homemade one 🙂 So definitely trying those variation especiallly the Kalamata Olives one that sounds delish!!

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1 year ago

Utminh

Great. Looking at all the above, they will make a perfect party. I really like Hummus!

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1 year ago

Afroz Shaikh

Even I was following Irma very closely as many of my friends are in Florida especially was very worried for one, who in Tampabay. I love hummus and like you even i like to give new flavor to it. I am definitely trying your recommendation.

I’ve always wanted to make humus from scratch because both my husband and son loves it. Glad to hear that you are ok after Irma.

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1 year ago

Menaka Bharathidasan

You know we do not make hummus back here, I am from southern part of India and this is really new to me. I would love to try this recipe for sure. The pics are watch worthy and inviting

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1 year ago

Carrie Chady Rundhaug

I used to love drinking Dreaming Tree Wine! It was so good! Im so sad I can’t find it here! Hope you are all safe from the hurricanes. I definitely agree people should quit doing this to the ocean. All those Hummus recipes look divine!

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1 year ago

Chauhan Renuka

I love such recipes which are little different with a little personal touch, making them different from the regular more popular recipes. Guess will have to follow your blog, sply because I keep looking for such healthy and quick recipes sply for barbecues and quick get together….also I was so shocked when I read hurricane parties, good that you were kidding….but good that all is well

Oooh I absolutely love this and now I am dying to make the lemon hummus! Hummus is one of my favourite snacks and now that i’m vegan I have eating it all the time.

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1 year ago

Elena Stevkovska

Even though I am not a vegetarian I love hummus. I cannot wait to make this lemon hummus for myself.

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1 year ago

Luci Cook

What a nice twist on hummus. The roasted poblano pepper would have to be my favorite that I will have to try.

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1 year ago

Akshay Malhotra

I am definitely gonna give it a try this weekend, because first of all I am 100% vegetarian and secondly I had chance to visit Jordan once and I really enjoyed hummus over there, since then I am big fan of eating hummus. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.

I love making hummus from scratch. As long as you have a good food processor, it’s super easy to do. I typically like mine with just garlic, but adding peppers can be good.

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1 year ago

welcome

Welcome! I'm Erica ...wife, mother, and scientist, passionate about triathlons and pizza. Join me on my quest to enjoy all things food - both healthy and indulgent. After all, life is about balance right?